Lexus Rx330 Trans oil change

[unDummy]

They were Rx300's(earlier). One was driven by a teenager(leadfooted), which was free vehicle from parents. The other really had no excuse to fail(no maintenance) since it was driven by an older co-worker. Neither towed! Both trannies died young under 100k miles.

What I like about the PH8a-type remote filters is that it also adds a quart of ATF capacity. And, it gives you a place to stick some filtermags on which reduces the workload of the pan magnet. Remote filters, IMO, reduce the need to ever drop the pan again.

Pan magnets must be cleaned every 100k or just replaced since they weaken with time. But, if you want the transmission to last longer, drop the pan and clean it up every 60k or at every service. With your planned 30k flush, I would definitely consider more filtering. I'd also recommend more then just a 30k service. It boils down to how many miles do you drive a year, type of driving? how long do you plan on keeping the vehicle, and which ATF you plan on using?

My opinion on OEM tow packages isn't positive. The OEM tow package usually just moves ATF OEM cooling from pathetic into the acceptable range. If you don't tow, OEM towing packages are great. If you tow, consider upgrading even more.

 

[sw99]

Hmmm, interesting info.

My mother has an RX300 and it just had it's furst tranny service/flush at the stealership @ 95K. No problems with it yet...

 

[vmcboss]

We just finished a trans flush (BG machine) Amsoil ATF on a 2001 RX300 with 92K. Mainly stop and go. I'm fairly certain it was the original fluid. It was black and smelled, we will treat it to a AutoRx tratment in about 5K miles then flush after 1500 miles with same ATF. Hope it will help.

 

[KBFXDLI]

Our RX330 had the trans pan dropped and cleaned at 60k. Not much dirt. Now at 92k still runs fine. I will change out 4 qts fluid every 10k and drop the pan at 120k to clean it again. But the mechanic at the indy shpo says that after the fiirst magnet cleaning there is usually very little debris if the fluid is chenged out regularly as most of the debris comes from initial wear. Is this #@$%! or true??

 

[The Critic]

Quote:

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Our RX330 had the trans pan dropped and cleaned at 60k. Not much dirt. Now at 92k still runs fine. I will change out 4 qts fluid every 10k and drop the pan at 120k to clean it again. But the mechanic at the indy shpo says that after the fiirst magnet cleaning there is usually very little debris if the fluid is chenged out regularly as most of the debris comes from initial wear. Is this #@$%! or true??

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Yes, that's true. Most junk found on the magnets is from the initial wear-in period. For instance, on Honda units, the first fluid change will uncover a ton of fuzz on the magnetic drain plug...subsequent changes will reveal only a hint of it or none at all.

Are you sure the pan/filter were truly removed? Most Lexus dealerships that I know of just drain the pan via the plug and refill. The U140/U150 units do have an actual felt filter now, unlike the previous metal strainers older Toyota units used to have.

 

[KBFXDLI]

I'm not sure but I'm taking it to an indy shop for the next pan drop and will make sure they change it. or may get brave and do it myself. But the RX330 has that stupid plastic cover under the car that is a major PIA to remove without a lift. I may just invest in some ramps.

 

[Lexura]

I dropped the tranny pan, changed ATF oil retainer, disconnected the cooler return line, and drained close to 7 quarts out of total 9.8 capacity of RX300 AWD.
Refilled with Amsoil Universal ATF and 10K miles later, shift as smooth as new.
One of the main reason to drain out of as much ATF is to get rid of fine metal particles suspended. Tranny is 100% enclosed, take a wild guess where do those particles go if ATF is saturated.

 

[lexus114]

I bought a filter for my RX 330 transmission from the TOYOTA dealer.They told me thats all I need because it only has that rock catcher screen in it.So I crawl under it to drop the pan,and their is one stupid bolt I could not get out due to it being right under the engine/trans frame. I dont know if it has to be jacked up to get it out or what.

 

[INDYMAC]

My 2009 RAV4 V-6 has the U151 5sp transaxle. I'm not impressed with the WS fluid that is in it (gear whine). It's good to hear that the U151 originally had T-IV and might have been back spec'd for WS? This might open up my options for a follow on full flush with AMSOIL ATF or Schaeffers #204 very soon. Has anyone done this to quiet the gear whine on these RAV4's? I think the WS is too thin for this transaxle.

 

[Ken2]

Originally Posted By: JohnBrowning
Now after 2002 the Tundra switched to T-IV but as far as I can tell the transmission internals all stayed the same.
Nope. The Tundra got a different model of Aisin-Warner automatic transmission that was similar but had different friction materials as well as a beefed up torque converter. These transmissions called for 3309 ATF (T-IV). The later Tundras got another variation of the transmission that use Toyota's WS fluid. I prefer to test the fluid than to spend the money changing fluid that is often still very good.

My Tundra is doing great at 90k with Amsoil ATF plus a Racor spin-on transmission filter on the cooler line. About 80k on the fluid and the lab tests show good fluid.

 

[JohnBrowning]

I wounder what the change was in friction materials. When you rebuild transmissions you often do not get a choice of materials unless it is a popular trans for hobbist. Often a parts supplier will use the same friction material on a number of different transmissions with no problem. Same things for the steels most companies use the same alloy acros the board for many models not going to a different alloy just because the OEM might use slightly different material with in reason of course.

When they sell it and I buy it I will have to get the beeifer torque converter that sounds like a good idea if it wil fit.I have to admit I have only built GM and BMW automatics and a few Daimlers never touched a TOyota before. It would be cool if I could find a shift kit for it beefier friction materials, gear sets and sprags etc..........Anyone make stuff like that for Toyota transmissions Ken2?